A look at the newsmakers of the year, those who made headlines:

Geneva Homecoming Couple

GENEVA – Kane County Chronicle readers responded in force when a photo of Geneva High School Homecoming Queen Krissy Altersohn and King Thomas Broviak was posted on Facebook Oct. 3.

The photo of the special-needs couple quickly went viral, prompting nearly 6,500 "likes" and 382 shares. Almost 48,000 people saw the post. The photo of the couple waving at crowds during the homecoming parade elicited more than 200 positive comments, such as "love it," and "awesome."

"Some kids really know what matters. This Batavia student is in awe at the awesome opportunity Geneva students gave to these kids. Congratulations, Krissy and Thomas!" one commenter said.

Another commenter chimed in, "Those students have made two families very proud and happy. I think they (students) deserve the accolades of everyone !!!! I'm going to send an email to the school. Everyone should."

Both students have Down syndrome, and they both happened to be named homecoming king and queen during Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Altersohn and Broviak participate in the PE Leadership program, a physical education program for students with special needs at the high school. A group of 12th-grade students at the high school, who have been specially trained, work alongside the students with special needs to provide assistance and supervision.

This year, that group of P.E. Leadership peer leaders – about 15 to 20 students in all – decided to launch a campaign to elect Altersohn and Broviak, whom the peer leaders had befriended, to the homecoming court.

“It’s a really nice story,” said Tom Rogers, principal at Geneva High School, in October. “They were very proactive in supporting their friends in this program.

“And I’m thrilled that this group of our students would go out of their way to make this happen for two such wonderful young people.”